Louis Vuitton shows it’s got the stuff it takes to make minaudieres with the best of them. It’s just a shame that the label still hasn’t learned the art of restraint.

There’s a lot to love about this minaudiere. Its jewel shape is really striking, and I love the way its angled lines are emphasized with polished golden brass. I also adore the way the moody tortoiseshell acetate panels complement the gleaming metal. But then Louis Vuitton had to go and slap its large logo on top of things.

It’s a shame that while the fashion industry has moved away from obvious branding, Louis Vuitton hasn’t followed suit. We get it; this is a Louis Vuitton purse. But by screaming it in such a loud way, the minaudiere loses a lot of its class. Leaving it at the subtle engraving on the push lock clasp would have appeared much more elegant.

Personally I think the logo cheapens the minaudiere and makes it appear less than its $3500 price tag. If you’re a fan I suppose you’ll be happy to advertise you’re carrying Louis Vuitton. Personally I’m disappointed that a bag with such promise has ended up looking so tacky and dated.

More Features of This Louis Vuitton Tortoiseshell Minaudiere

• Golden lambskin lining
• A jewelry like golden chain
• Measures 5.5 x 4.3 x 2 inches

Get this Louis Vuitton Bijou Handbag:

• Available to buy at Louis Vuitton
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Longchamp has teamed up with Greek fashion designer Mary Kantrantzou for a colorful new capsule collection.

The line features the classic accessories Longchamp is famous for, but they’re given a lift with Kantrantzou’s rainbow colored digital prints. I really love the East meets West feel of the tote pictured, which features Asian dragons, floating lanterns and hot-air balloons on the canvas of a fairly traditional handbag.

Longchamp creative director Sophie Delefontaine said she “went a little wild” with Kantrantzou to create the “fantasy world” we see on the surface of every new bag. The duo observed the temples of Vietnam, buzzing flower parades, and austere museums to create the colorful landscapes.

The vibrant totes and satchels in this collection make a refreshing change from the drab black, navy and other conservative neutral hues Longchamp’s favored of late. What a way to usher in the new season! Frankly I’ve never been a great fan of Longchamp’s pedestrian designs, but Kantrantzou’s surreal patterns have allowed me to appreciate their beauty. I think I might be changing my tune!

The artistic collaborative range will launch exclusively through French retailer Colette on January 23 before it’s rolled out to Longchamp stores around the world.

[Source: Catwalk Queen]

Longchamp Totes on eBay

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Longchamp blows its own trumpet with this Legende Sports Satchel. I’m not sure its destined to be the legend that Longchamp hopes, but it’s quite a stylish satchel.

Don’t let the sports part of its moniker confuse you; this isn’t the sort of satchel you want to stuff with smelly trainers and sweaty towels. Those odors will cling to the leather, and it’s really too small for that kind of application anyway. Instead it’s the kind of satchel that should be carried to business luncheons and dinners with that special someone. It’s not very flashy, but there’s an elegant charm to the design.

The rich cognac colored leather is a traditional choice, but that’s part of its appeal. It’ll work with almost anything in your wardrobe, no matter what the occasion or season. That safe choice is a good match for the functional interior. Its mid-sized compartment has all the room we need without the bulk that often comes with modern bags. The leather lined interior makes the space feel that much more opulent. The classic configuration of a single zip pocket and two slips doesn’t exceed our expectations, but they’re certainly met.

And well they should be for the $995 Longchamp charges. That’s a lot of money to spend on a handbag, but if you consider it as an investment piece it’s a little easier to part with the cash.

More Features of This Longchamp Sports Satchel

• Zip closure
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 8 x 5 inches

Get this Longchamp Legende Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bloomingdale’s
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

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• Check the Marte Modena eBay store to see if this Longchamp bag is in stock
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• The Longchamp Gatsby satchel bag, a great alternative to this classic bag.
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Michael Kors will release a limited edition Hamilton bag to assist ongoing earthquake relief efforts in Eastern Japan.

The Hamilton has been one of Michael Kors most popular purses for a few years now, and this one’s set to be even more covetable. The python embossed hot pink leather finish is bound to be divisive, but at least the rest of the bag is mercifully minimal. The only decoration comes from the special key chain hanging from “Michael Hearts Japan” and MK logo charms.

Michael Kors isn’t one of those designers using the charity release to line his own pockets either. The entirety of the proceeds will reach the Japanese Red Cross Society.

You’ll need to be quick if you want to own one though, as they’ll be available online for just 24 hours. A link on the Michael Kors Facebook page will direct shoppers to the exclusive sale on Michael Kors website on January 23. Following this the handbag will be sold in limited quantities through selected Michael Kors Lifestyle boutiques across the United States. While the exact locations haven’t been revealed, we know the bags will be sold in California, Florida, New York, Texas, Hawaii, and Nevada. With all the vagueness of the in store releases, I suggest trying your luck online!

[Source: TMCNet.com]
[Image Source: Beadwoman/Flickr]

Michael Kors Hamilton Bags on eBay

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Middleton was the name on everyone’s lips last year, whether you were admiring the poise of older sister Kate or the curves of young Pippa. So it’s quite canny for London Fog to use the famous surname for this satchel.

While its name will encourage eyeballs its design is ultimately disappointing. Its polyvinyl chloride body is the first misstep. I suppose we can’t expect much more for the money, but did it have to look so cheap? The tacky shiny finish is really unbecoming, and those gold accents do little to enhance it. I don’t mind the Middleton’s design but its materials let it down.

It is as sensible as Lady Katherine though, with the right amount of space and practical pockets. Its rolled straps might slip off shoulders, but at least they’re long enough to sit comfortably where they need to.

The Middleton satchel certainly isn’t a bag for royalty, but it’s not a bad choice for girls on a budget.

More Features of This London Fog PVC Satchel

• Dual straps with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 9.75 x 15 x 4.75 inches
• Made in China

Get this London Fog Middleton Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
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We tend to take the word of the United Kingdom’s tabloid newspaper Mirror with a grain of salt, but if its latest allegations about Lady Gaga are true the pop queen may put a few fashion fans offside. The rag alleges that Gaga told a group of American fans that she indulges in designer knockoffs.

“In Tokyo, they have all these stores that have fake Chanel and Versace. And I’m an Italian from New York, so I still buy it,” the reigning pop queen is quoted as saying. “This jacket is a fake.“

It seems unusual that someone that’s so pally with leading fashion designers would spend money on replicas. She’s spoken numerous times of her respect for these creative minds, so it seems hypocritical to act in a way that undermines their business. I’m also sure famous friends like Donatella Versace and Karl Lagerfeld would be only too happy to send a few free samples her way.

It’s also strange that a New Yorker would go to Tokyo for the counterfeits when they’re so prevalent on Canal Street. And exactly what does being Italian have to do with the price of eggs?

Do you think there’s any truth to Mirror’s claims?

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Gn!pGnop/Wikipedia Commons]

Lodis goes mod with this Brooklyn Jada Shoulder Bag.

Taupe isn’t a color I ordinarily fall for, but I love the way the colored cross design makes this fairly bland hue much more appealing. The criss-crossing swatches are interesting but not overly feminine which may work in our favor. This is one handbag that men won’t mind holding while you’re in the bathroom!

The long shoulder strap is adjustable, and extended right out you could wear the Brooklyn Jada across your body. Personally I think that carrying mode best suits the bag’s casual vibe. Alternatively you can detach it altogether and use the Brooklyn Jada as a clutch. In my opinion it’s a little big for that, but it’s all a matter of personal preference.

The Brooklyn Jada’s convertible nature is just the start of its practical appeal. Its divided interior makes its generous interior a little easier to manage. Its pockets aren’t trimmed with leather as they are in more expensive bags, but at least they’re all there ready to serve.

At $248 the Brooklyn Jada is very affordable for a bag with so much style and substance.

More Features of This Lodis Mod Shoulder Ba

• Snap closure
• A zip pocket and two pouches inside
• A zip pocket on the back
• Fully lined interior
• A detachable strap with a 20 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 2 x 7 inches

Get this Lodis Brooklyn Jada Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
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• The Lodis Brooklyn Ivy computer case, a great alternative to this shoulder bag.
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Liz Claiborne hasn’t had a lot to smile about of late. Its business has gone through so much upheaval that it’s a wonder it’s had any time to create fashion. So I thought I’d look at one of the label’s cheeriest creations, the Notting Hill Cross-Body Bag.

I find it hard to resist any bag in such a happy shade. The teal color really makes what is otherwise a fairly functional bag quite fashionable. The skin’s deep grain helps it look a lot more like leather than most faux fabrics do.

The Notting Hill doesn’t really exceed our expectations, but it has everything we really need, and at this price probably more than we’d expect. It’s spacious but it doesn’t swamp you, and it’s got the right amount of pockets for easy organization. I also like the cross-body strap, which is adjustable and flat for comfortable wear.

For the money, a mere $50, I think you’d be hard pressed to find a better bag than the Notting Hill. The teal hue might not be the most versatile, but it’s also available in a more conservative persimmon shade if you prefer.

More Features of This Liz Claiborne Leatherette Cross-Body Bag

• Top zip closure
• An interior key hook
• An adjustable strap with a 21 inch drop
• Measures 9 x 2.5 x 11 inches

Get this Liz Claiborne Notting Hill Handbag:

• Available to buy at JC Penney
• Search online for this bag

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• The Gorjana Madison Cross-Body bag, a great alternative to this teal bag.
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Marc Jacobs promises not to bore us with his upcoming Louis Vuitton exhibition at the Louvre’s Musee des Arts Decoratifs.

The designer says there’s “nothing more boring” than an educational fashion display housed in a museum, or gazing at clothing draped over mannequins or stuck behind glass cabinets. So Jacobs show won’t feature those dull elements, but what will we see?

Marc Jacobs told The Telegraph that the exhibition will span two of the museum’s floors. The first will be devoted to Marc Jacobs’ modern designs for Louis Vuitton, while the second will pay tribute to the classic pieces created by company founder Louis Vuitton. While I appreciate the work that Jacobs has done, I’m much more interested in that historic collection which includes one of the label’s earliest signature trunks dating back to 1869.

Louis Vuitton’s runway consultant Katie Grand will serve as the exhibition’s creative consultant, so we can expect it to be very true to the label’s vision. She’ll oversee the design work of Sam Gainsbury and Joseph Bennett, who know fashion after working as the production designers for many runway shows.

The display titled “Louis Vuitton – Marc Jacobs” will open on March 8, the final night of Paris Fashion Week and the same night as Louis Vuitton’s fall 2012 runway show.

[Source: New York Fashion]
[Image Source: Ed Kavishe/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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Linea Pelle has created a bag for all seasons with the Mel Tote.

The Mel is really the definition of a classic tote bag. Black leather is a traditional choice, and this one with its deep natural grain is a gorgeous specimen. Such a skin needs little embellishment so I’m thrilled to see Linea Pelle’s taken a fairly minimal approach here. I appreciate the rounded shape, which seems much fresher than the boxy bags we usually see. A brass buckle clasp and rings near the straps really pop against the dark skin.

The Mel’s not a flashy tote but it gets the job done. It’s spacious but well appointed with an array of leather trimmed pockets. Its rolled straps are long enough to comfortably sit on our shoulder, but we also get a longer cross-body strap if we prefer. I really love the flash of zebra print on the lining. It’s tucked away, but it makes this fairly safe bag seem a lot more fun.

Linea Pelle probably won’t turn a lot of heads with its Mel, but it should win a lot of hearts.

More Features of This Linea Pelle Black Leather Tote

• Protective feet on the base
• Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
• A detachable strap with a 14 to 24 inch drop
• Measures 4 x 15.5 x 10.5 inches
• Made in China
• Also available in natural and russet

Get this Linea Pelle Mel Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the eNearly New eBay store to see if this Linea Pelle bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

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• The North-West Linea Pelle Mel tote bag, a great alternative to this east-west bag.
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